Elizabeth Anderson argues that the point of equality isn't simply to equalize outcomes or compensate for misfortune, but to create a society where everyone is treated with equal respect and dignity, free from oppression and domination. She critiques "luck egalitarianism" (the view that society should compensate for both brute and option luck), arguing it can lead to unintended consequences and doesn't adequately address the needs of the truly oppressed. Instead, Anderson proposes "democratic equality," which focuses on ensuring everyone has equal access to the social conditions necessary for their freedom and well-being, regardless of their circumstances or choices. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Anderson's Critique of Luck Egalitarianism:

• Focus on Compensation:

  Anderson argues that luck egalitarianism, which emphasizes compensating for bad luck, can lead to a system where individuals are seen as deserving of pity rather than respect. 
• Ignoring Oppression:

  She believes that luck egalitarianism neglects the systemic inequalities that can lead to disparities in outcomes, such as oppression based on race, gender, class, etc., according to The University of Chicago Press. 
• Distinguishing Between Brute and Option Luck:

  Anderson also disagrees with the distinction between brute luck (things outside one's control) and option luck (things resulting from one's choices), as she believes everyone is entitled to basic capabilities regardless. 

Democratic Equality as an Alternative:

• Equal Moral Worth:

  Anderson's vision of democratic equality emphasizes the equal moral worth of all individuals and strives to create a society where no one needs to bow or scrape to be heard.
• Focus on Basic Capabilities:

  It focuses on ensuring everyone has equal access to the resources and social conditions needed to participate in society and exercise their freedom, such as adequate nutrition, housing, and the ability to move around freely.
• Addressing Oppression:

  Democratic equality aims to dismantle oppressive structures and create a society where everyone can relate to each other as equals, free from domination and hierarchy.
• Integrating Distribution and Respect:

  Anderson argues that democratic equality can integrate the demands of equal distribution and equal respect, ensuring that the principles of distribution do not express contempt for the beneficiaries of egalitarian concern.